What transmission came in the Astro van?
The Astro van was equipped with GM’s four-speed automatic transmissions. In most models, the reliable 4L60-E (the electronically controlled version) became the standard behind the 4.3-liter V6, while earlier production relied on the older 700R4/4L60 family. No manual transmission was offered in US-market Astros.
Transmission lineage in the Astro
A concise guide to how the transmission lineup evolved across the Astro’s production run. The van’s four-speed automatic was designed to cope with daily use, payloads, and family trips, and GM transitioned from the mechanically controlled 700R4/4L60 family in the early years to the electronically controlled 4L60-E in the 1990s. All-wheel-drive versions used the same four-speed automatic paired with a transfer case.
What follows is a concise snapshot of the transmission options by era.
- Early models (roughly 1985–1991): Mechanically controlled four-speed automatics in the GM 700R4/4L60 family behind the 4.3L V6.
- Early- to mid-1990s transition: GM began standardizing the electronic 4L60-E in Astros, particularly around 1993–1994 models.
- Mid-1990s through 2005: 4L60-E becomes the default four-speed automatic behind the 4.3L V6; AWD variants retain the same transmission with a transfer case; no US-market manual option.
Bottom line: Across its production run, the Astro’s transmission story centers on GM’s four-speed automatics, with the 4L60-E as the predominant choice in later years and the older 700R4/4L60 family in the earliest models. Regular maintenance and fluid service are key to longevity for these aging units.
Summary
The Chevrolet Astro van primarily used GM’s four-speed automatic transmissions. The most common configuration was the 4L60-E electronic version behind the 4.3L V6 in later years, with earlier models using the mechanical 700R4/4L60 family. No manual transmission was offered in U.S. Astros, and all-wheel-drive versions used the same four-speed automatic paired with a transfer case. This transmission setup remained the standard through the vehicle’s production life.
What transmission is in a 2001 Chevy Astro van?
4-speed automatic
Drivetrain
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Rear wheel drive |
What transmission does a Chevy Astro van have?
Chevrolet Astro
| Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari | |
|---|---|
| Platform | M-body (RWD) / L-body (AWD) |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Chronology |
What transmission is in a 1998 Astro van?
Moveras – 4L60E – Automatic Transmission (Part No.
What vehicles have 4L60E transmission?
The 4L60E transmission is found in numerous General Motors (GM) rear-wheel-drive vehicles from approximately 1993 to 2014, including popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, and Cadillac Escalade. It was also used in vehicles such as the Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari, Chevrolet Express, and Chevrolet Suburban.
Trucks and SUVs
- Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra (1500)
- Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon
- Chevrolet Avalanche
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet S-10 Blazer / GMC Jimmy
- Chevrolet Astro / GMC Safari
- Chevrolet Express van
- Cadillac Escalade (1999–2006)
- Buick Rainier (2004–2007)
- GMC C/K Truck (1500)
Cars
Chevrolet Camaro (1994–2002), Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac Fleetwood (1994–1996), Buick Roadmaster (1994–1996), and Pontiac Firebird (1993–2002).
